You likely already know that a professional heating maintenance appointment once per year is good for your heater. But are you taking care of the system in between those annual appointments? Homeowner maintenance is equally important, if not more so.
The steps that you take consistently month after month can add up quickly to better overall results for your heater. You can keep reading to learn our top tips for taking care of your heater all season long. Then give our team a call to schedule your heating maintenance in Grosse Pointe if you haven’t already in the past year.
Take Care of the Air Filter
When you shop for an air filter, make sure you choose one that is appropriate for your heating system. For example, the air filter should fit the intake grate perfectly without being too big or too small. Trying to force an air filter in a spot that it doesn’t fit will result in operational issues. Leaving gaps can allow dust and dirt to get through and into your heating system.
You also want to pay attention to MERV ratings and select a filter that falls within the range of 8 to 13 on the MERV scale. These filters are strong enough to eliminate harmful particles from the air yet they aren’t so thick that they block airflow into the system.
Make sure you know how long your filter is rated to last so that you can replace it in a timely manner. If your air filter stays in place for too long and gets too full of dust and dirt, a couple of different things happen. First, airflow gets blocked going into the system. But you also risk dust particles getting through the filter and going into your heating system, ultimately affecting operation and lowering your indoor air quality.
Use Wise Thermostat Settings
You can also take care of your heater by using reasonable thermostat settings. This helps to reduce the strain on your heater so that it can work more effectively without trying to heat your home more than is possible. When you select a temperature for the thermostat, keep in mind that experts say you shouldn’t set your thermostat higher than 68° for heating during the winter season.
Each degree higher than this is adding additional strain to your heater as it tries to work harder. In some cases, you may need to set your thermostat down lower than 68° when temperatures are at extreme lows outside. If you currently set your thermostat much higher, try adjusting it down a degree at a time until you get used to the new temperature settings.
Clean the Cabinet
It’s also a good idea to wipe down the inside cabinet of your heater at least once per month. Even with an excellent filter in place and proper care steps being followed, some dirt will still get into the system. If you have a gas furnace, you’re also facing buildup that occurs as part of the combustion process.
Once each month, turn your heater off and allow it to cool down completely. Then open up the cabinet and wipe down the inside, paying special attention to the burners or heating elements. The step can help your heater to work more effectively without grimy buildup interfering with operation.
Contact Charter Home Comfort today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for heating service. Old fashioned values with tech savvy results!